The train ride home was quiet, but Mahiru's heart was anything but. She sat by the window, staring at the blurred city lights outside, yet her mind was completely elsewhere—stuck on the warmth of Sam's embrace, the way he had whispered I love you too before Anna had dramatically interrupted.
She hugged her bag to her chest, hiding her face behind it. That was too much… I said it first…
As her apartment came into view, she let out a small sigh. I didn't want the night to end so soon…
Once inside, Mahiru changed into her pajamas and collapsed onto her bed, her mind still replaying everything from earlier.
She rolled onto her side, burying her face into her pillow. I really, really love him…
Her cheeks burned, but she didn't mind. It was a warm, happy kind of flustered.
She reached for her phone, hesitating for a moment before typing a message.
Mahiru: Did you reach home safely?
A few moments later, her phone vibrated.
Sam: Yeah. Just got back. You?
Mahiru: Same. It was fun today…
Sam: Yeah. Thanks again for everything.
Mahiru bit her lip, hesitating before typing again.
Mahiru: You don't have to thank me. I just wanted to make you happy.
There was a pause before Sam's reply came in.
Sam: You did.
Mahiru smiled softly at the message, her heart fluttering.
She placed her phone on the bedside table, staring at the ceiling for a moment.
Then, she grabbed her pillow and hugged it tightly.
I want to see him again soon…
—
Meanwhile, at Sam's house, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, the locket still in his hands.
He ran his thumb over the metal surface, then flipped it open again.
"…She really gave me something this meaningful…"
His heart felt full.
Turning on his side, he exhaled, still smiling.
The night had been perfect.
And somehow, he felt like he had fallen even more in love with her.
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